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Matthew Newton has announced he is stepping down from directing Eve, Jessica Chastain's new movie, in response to a powerful backlash surrounding his history of alleged domestic violence.

The 41-year-old released a statement saying he wanted to take responsibility for his past actions, reports news.com.au.

"Yesterday I notified Jessica Chastain and the other producers on the film Eve that I will be stepping down as director" he said.

"Since the announcement of this film, the responses, which are powerful and important, have not fallen on deaf ears. I am profoundly aware that I have a responsibility to lead where I have failed in the past.

Chastain and her business partner Kelly Carmichael said in an official statement: "Matthew is wonderfully adept at crafting complex and relatable characters. We've been fans of his work and are so thrilled to be partnering with him and Voltage (Pictures) on Eve".

The decision to hire Newton has been labelled as hypocritical by fans, with the Molly's Game actress having long been a prominent advocate for the Time's Up movement and women's rights.